When many people compare what the New York Islanders received for Thomas Vanek to smaller name deals – or even the original trade that landed him on Long Island – the Isles’ takeaway won’t look sterling. GM Garth Snow insisted that it was the best trade he could make in what he called a slow market, however.

“There wasn’t the same action you usually see at the trade deadline,” Snow said.

The former NHL goalie said the Islanders were “very fortunate” to land the package of a conditional second-round pick and prospect Sebastian Collberg, according to ESPN’s Katie Strang.

The overall takeaway from shipping away Matt Moulson and eventually Vanek doesn’t look great to many, yet Snow insists that the Islanders have some chips to work with going forward.

#Isles GM Garth Snow: "It wasn't a very active market… Speaking for today, this was the best deal that was tabled."